European Commission criticizes Turkey's actions in Cyprus in annual report

On November 4, 2026, the European Commission released its annual enlargement report, formally calling on Turkey to normalize relations with the Republic of Cyprus and reverse unilateral actions in Varosha. The report criticized Ankara's continued insistence on a two-state solution, which contradicts UN Security Council resolutions, and highlighted concerns over Turkey's military presence, drone flights in maritime zones, and a July 2026 memorandum regarding an undersea natural gas pipeline signed with the unrecognized entity in the occupied north without Cypriot consent.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry promptly rejected the findings, labeling them as detached from reality and supportive of the "maximalist positions" held by Greece and the Republic of Cyprus. Ankara also dismissed criticism regarding its maritime delimitation agreement with Libya and accused the EU of employing double standards concerning political criteria and democratic principles. While the Commission acknowledged areas of mutual interest in EU-Turkey relations, it emphasized significant backsliding by Ankara regarding fundamental democratic standards, including the treatment of opposition figures and civil society members.

The EU reaffirmed that the Republic of Cyprus is the only state on the island recognized by the Union, urging Turkey to support a viable settlement within the UN framework. Currently, there is no indication of a change in stance from either party as diplomatic tensions persist.